The first encounter I had with Joe, was while spending study hall in 8th grade in Mr. Busse’s classroom. I often hung out with Barry every free period I ha. One day I noticed a stack of poetry contest entries on his desk while he was occupied elsewhere for the moment. I casually thumbed through them, and stopped on one that grabbed my eye. It was the most beautiful arrangement of words I had ever read. It was Joe’s poem. I was quick to a kinship with him shortly after. Some people, I’ve found in life, are especially capable of inspiring you, and that was Joe.

These two great men brought me, as well as each other, together in a common meaning. For that I am eternally grateful. They are two pillars of my lifetime, from the time before they departed, as well as presently, and will remain to be.